Rahma Ahmed
By Ahmed Rahma
Former Liverpool manager, Rafa Benitez, has ended his contract with a Chinese football club, Dalian Professional, in order to pay more attention to his family.
The Spaniard, who moved to the Chinese Super League club in 2019 from Newcastle United Football Club of England, said he was leaving the Asian outfit due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The virus, which originated from China in late 2019, has infected over 98 million people worldwide and has claimed more than 2 million lives.
Vaccines have just be developed and it is not an assurance that some can be totally free from contracting the virus when inoculated.
For the 60-year-old head coach of Dalian Professional, he does not want to take any chances and despite having one year left in his contract, he wants to leave the country to be with family.
Confirming his exit from the Chinese club, Mr Benitez said, “Unfortunately, like so many things in the last year, COVID-19 has changed our lives and our projects.
“From today, both my coaching staff and I will sadly no longer be coaching the Dalian Professional.
“The pandemic is still here, for all of us, and supporting our families has been a priority when making this decision.”
Mr Benitez won the UEFA Champions League with Liverpool at a dramatic final against AC Milan of Italy in Istanbul, Turkey when his team came from three goals down to lift the coveted trophy.
He also won two Spanish Liga titles with Valencia, among a host of other trophies, including the Championship with Newcastle United when he led them back to the English top flight. He also managed Chelsea Football Club of England.
At Dalian Professional, Mr Benitez was in charge for 38 games, winning 12, losing 18 and drew 8 matches.
